MUMBAI, India, July 22, 2016–The large participation of young Asians to World Youth Day in Krakow “is the springtime of the Church”; they bring not only the size, vitality and beauty of Asia, but also the multi-cultural diversity, pluralism and hospitality Asian values, family. This was said by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops (FABC) in a conversation with AsiaNews dedicated to the forthcoming Day.
Screengrab from AsiaNews
“Thousands of young Asians are on a pilgrimage to Krakow, filled with gratitude to John Paul II and love for Pope Francis. Most of our Asian delegates saw St. John Paul II, he loved and felt loved by him. They knew they were loved by Pope John Paul II who loved Asia and that has made many visits to Asian countries, including the World Youth Day in the Philippines with about 5 million participants, the largest crowd gathered for a Eucharistic celebration throughout history, and this is a precious gift of Asia to the universal Church.
The large Asian participation in Krakow is the spring of the universal Church. Spring because together with delegates of the many different realities and ecclesial movements, many dioceses are bringing our young people at World Youth Day. Our Asian pilgrims not only bring the grandeur, the vitality and beauty of Asia, but also the multi-cultural diversity, pluralism and hospitality Asian values, family and, of course, the Church of the young. For our Asian pilgrims, this trip is not just for herself or himself. His life of prayer and fellowship with God touches the lives of countless others. The meeting with other young people from other parts of the world mutually enriches life and mission, in the sharing, exchange of ideas and stories and, above all, the unity of love for Jesus. This will be a joy and a meeting to enrich the church. We give strength to see the dynamism and generosity of young people around the world who undertake this pilgrimage for World Youth Day. ”
The love of John Paul II for Asia
“The love of John Paul II for Asia has generated generous and mutual enthusiasm for young Asians. Saint John Paul II liked to Asia and our young people know in their heart of hearts. Pope John Paul II visited Asia several times: in 1981 was in the Philippines, in Goa, Japan and Pakistan. In 1984 in South Korea and Thailand. In 1987 in Bangladesh and Singapore. In 1989, again in South Korea and also in Indonesia, East Timor and Mauritius. In 1995 in Sri Lanka and again in the Philippines for the World Youth Day and in November 1999 he returned back to Asia for the publication of the apostolic exhortation “Ecclesia in Asia”.
Now, our Asian pilgrims who are traveling to Krakow hosting the World Youth Day, know the place where in a sense, are the roots of the Day. They’re going to touch the sacred ground from which it came Saint John Paul, and this is significant for our young Asians. Our intelligent and insightful Asians see in Auschwitz history and suffering of his people, who formed and touched the heart of the Holy Father John Paul II. This meeting will enrich the lives of our Asian pilgrims. And the sanctuary of St. Faustina, who had the revelation of the cult of Divine Mercy, will leave a deep and lasting impression on our youth. Filled with this joy of Mercy, our youth will return home enriched and excited to carry on the never-ending mission to share God’s love and mercy. ”
Pope Francis’s invitation to friendship with God
“Pope Francis has spoken several times of encounter, an invitation to friendship with God and my prayer for our young Asians is that this meeting will be shared with their families, the community, society, nations and become messengers of youth divine Mercy of God. all this shows that the mission and the blessings of Christ on Asia are continuing through the presence of Saint Peter’s chair of our beloved Pope Francis, who is loved by all. Pope Francis is calling the Church to show the face of Mercy. Pope Francis draws all people to Jesus and His Divine Mercy.
Asia is the hope of the future. To give light to the world, youth, and fidelity to the faith and the Church and the Holy Father revitalize the Church. (AsiaNews)